Rita Joy Laiben, 98, of Kirkwood died Oct. 11, 2023, at St. Agnes Home in Kirkwood. Ms. Laiben was born Aug. 3, 1925, in De Soto, she was the daughter of the late Esther Mary (Sloan) and Seraphine Bequette.
She is survived by nine children: Regina (Lynn) Hollis of Florida, Mark (Joyce) Laiben of Crystal City, Gerard (Susan) Laiben of Festus, John (Laurie) Laiben of Crystal City, Mary Anne (Robert) Blankenship of Tulsa, Okla., Joe (Dawn) Laiben of De Soto, Vincent Laiben of St. Thomas, V.I., Therese (David) Akers of Tulsa, Okla. and Paul (Jennifer) Laiben of Herculaneum; a sister: Seraphine (the late Harley) Sproull of De Soto; 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a sister: Aleen (the late Joe) Large; a brother: Thomas Bequette; and a great-grandson: Thomas Surdyke.
A private graveside service was held Oct. 16, at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Arrangements were under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.